Latest news with #militaryhistory
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Kasper Yuen's top pick: Edward E Gordon and David Ramsay's Divided on D-Day
Do you have something to share? Send us your recommendations using this form I highly recommend the book Divided on D-Day, written by Edward E Gordon, a history teacher at DePaul University in Chicago, and David Ramsay, whose father, Sir Admiral Bertram Ramsay, was a naval commander on D-Day. This book interests me because it tells me how commanders, captains, soldiers, politicians and leaders found ways to lead their people to victory in World War II. For example, Sir Frederick E Morgan thought of a plan for D-Day. However, adjustments were needed so Americam, British and Canadian forces could successfully march in Normandy on D-Day. Though they could move on to liberate other countries, the American troops faced tough challenges in Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. It was the lack of cooperation between the leaders that affected D-Day. Here is an interesting side note about this book. It is perfect for people who cannot fall asleep. Once, when my dad tried to read this book before reached the fifth paragraph on a page, I could already hear him snoring like a pig.
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
In Italy, a Canadian has a 'very humbling experience' meeting with King Charles
Hello, royal watchers. This is your regular dose of royal news and analysis. Reading this online? Sign up here to get this delivered to your inbox. After you've met someone briefly, there can be that moment when you think: There was something I didn't get a chance to say. Maj. Casey Anderson, a military intelligence officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, had that thought after he chatted with King Charles and received a King's Coronation Medal from him recently in the Italian coastal city of Ravenna. Charles was in Ravenna commemorating the 80th anniversary of the area's liberation during the Second World War, a military effort in which both Canadian and British forces played a role. In 1944, Anderson's grandfather "was wounded liberating the city of Ravenna," Anderson said via Zoom from Italy, where he is stationed at NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Anderson's grandfather didn't actually make it right into Ravenna during that military campaign, "And so [that was] actually one of the things … which I didn't get the chance to tell His Majesty but maybe would have been quite interesting," Anderson said. "It was cathartic for me … to be invited to participate in this event." Canada's King's Coronation Medal was created to mark Charles's coronation on May 6, 2023. A total of 30,000 medals are being awarded to Canadians who have "made a significant contribution" to their community, province, territory or country, at home or abroad. Of the medal total, 4,000 are for members of the CAF. Ceremonies have been taking place across Canada to award the medals. Anderson, 37, says it's all "quite surreal" how he happened to receive his medal, along with two other Canadians, from the King in Italy. (Charles, while he was in Italy, made a point — unusual in such an international setting — of noting that he is King of Canada.) The medal "is not the sort of thing that [Charles] would normally personally give out," Anderson said. "This is not only a very humbling experience, but it's also extra unusual because it's happening abroad." Anderson was chosen for the medal to honour his research and advocacy to preserve the legacy of the Canadian Corps Cyclist Battalion, a First World War forerunner of the CAF's current military intelligence branch. Circumstances and logistics, however, played into the fact that Anderson received it in Italy. He had been slated to get it in Ottawa earlier in the year, but for various reasons, getting there from his home in Naples would have been difficult. Several weeks after learning he would be receiving the medal, he was asked if he could be in Ravenna in April, although details were slim on exactly why. Then his military chain of command also asked him to go to Ravenna in April, leading a Canadian delegation to take part in the liberation ceremony. "I am an intelligence officer, so I was starting to put two and two together," Anderson said. Looking back, Anderson figures he was able to speak with Charles for a minute and a half or two minutes. The King was "unbelievably gracious" and charming, Anderson said. "In our brief interaction, [he was] using humour, asking about my family, asking me about my role in Italy," he said. "I don't think he knows why I was actually receiving the award, but he congratulated me nonetheless for whatever I had done to receive it. "It was for me a profoundly important moment in my military career and my life as a very proud Canadian individual." While King Charles was in Canada this week, other Canadians reflected on their own receipt of a Coronation Medal. "It was a real honour and a reflection of what everybody who got the award, the medal, how much they've done and what a great community that they've created, either in their own community or globally," Sherry Benson-Podolchuk, a retired RCMP officer who has done extensive work around workplace harassment and bullying, told the CBC's chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault in an interview from Gimli, Man. "And it's just a ripple effect of good work, kindness, authenticness and wanting to make the world a better place." WATCH | Coronation Medal recipients reflect on their experience: Hear from 2 recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal 4 days ago Duration 6:54 Medals specifically associated with events like coronations and jubilees started to be popularized in the early 20th century, says Justin Vovk, a royal historian at McMaster University in Hamilton. "While orders of chivalry and knighthood were still somewhat bound to the old class system, medals were a way of including more of the monarch's subjects with these important milestones in their reigns." After the First and Second World Wars, they also became an important way for the Crown to recognize the service and contributions of ordinary men and women, Vovk said via email. "The way that medals are now used also serves to reflect the values of the monarchy, specifically in promoting service to our communities and our neighbours." For Anderson, receiving the medal from Charles was an "incredible" experience. "The thing that I've been telling people about in the aftermath of this event is — and I recognize that [Charles has] had a lot of practice — but the almost superhuman ability [he has] to connect with people in short snippets and also not to come across as utterly exhausted … and to put on a brave face, stiff upper lip, whatever you want to call it — it was amazing." Anderson was also left marvelling at how Charles carried out his role that day, under the scrutiny of cameras, deploying "statecraft on the global stage." He also considers Charles to be "incredibly impressive" in "his ability to navigate the complex world in which we live and to act as a diplomat for Canada and in the interest of Canada and all of the other realms in which he is head of state." "It's incredible and part of that thing which I've found deeply humbling as part of this whole experience." A boost in popularity for King Charles Our friend in the CBC Politics bureau, J.P. Tasker, had this report the other day: King Charles is enjoying a popularity boost and there is considerably more support for maintaining Canada's ties to the Crown now than when he assumed the throne, according to public opinion polls released this week around his two-day visit to deliver a historic throne speech. After the long-reigning and hugely popular Queen Elizabeth died in 2022, there was talk across the Commonwealth realms, including in Canada, about whether it was time to do away with the Crown and embrace republicanism. The U.K.-based Lord Ashcroft firm released a poll ahead of Charles's coronation showing particularly dire levels of support for the monarchy in Canada, finding this country ranked close to last among the 15 countries that have the King as their head of state. At the time, just 23 per cent of the 2,020 Canadian respondents surveyed as part of that poll said they would vote to keep the Crown if there was a referendum, Lord Ashcroft found. The picture has changed dramatically in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's 51st state taunts and sovereignty threats, which have prompted a revival of national pride and newfound affinity for Canadian institutions and symbols, polls suggest. Also, some people here have got to know Charles better and like what they see, pollsters say. Polling firm Pollara surveyed 3,400 Canadians between May 20 and 24 and found Charles's popularity in Canada has risen substantially since the last time the firm polled on the issue in 2022, with the number of people holding a positive view of the sovereign up seven percentage points to 44 per cent and those with a negative view down 10 points to 23 per cent. That growth in personal popularity has fuelled support for Canada remaining a constitutional monarchy, Pollara found, with more respondents saying they want the country to keep the Crown (45 per cent) compared to the number who say they want it gone (39 per cent) — a reversal from the last poll the firm did when a plurality of people reported they want to cut ties. In an interview with CBC News, Dan Arnold, chief strategy officer at Pollara, said there has been a "statistically significant" increase in support for Charles and maintaining the Crown in Canada. "Canadians are feeling better about the Crown and I would speculate that's probably because they're looking for a little bit of stability in a world that feels unstable right now. And there's nothing more stable than an institution that's been around for multiple centuries," Arnold said. "This is, to some extent, seen as an institution that gives us something in this fight with Trump." He noted that while Charles's numbers still aren't as high as his mother's were, "we see a clear increase in terms of the people who feel good about him and a sharp decline in his negatives." Arnold says Charles's performance as King is part of the reason why. "Charles came to power at a time when there was a lot of controversy around him — anybody who's watched The Crown or followed the news for the last 30 years knows all about that — and he's been able to put some of that behind him or at least tamp it down a bit during his time on the throne," Arnold said, adding Charles's cancer battle may also have prompted some sympathy. An Ipsos poll, also released this week, found 66 per cent of the 1,000 people it surveyed in May say Canada's relationship with the monarchy is useful because it sets us apart from our neighbours to the south who live in a presidential republic — up from 54 per cent who said the same in April 2023. Sixty-five per cent of the Ipsos respondents said the monarchy is an important part of Canada's heritage, up from 58 per cent two years ago. There's also been a drop in respondents who say Canada should cut ties to the Crown, falling from a high of 60 per cent in January 2020 to 46 per cent now — a result roughly in line with what Pollara found. And it's not just polls that suggest Charles is enjoying a better standing in Canada — the monarch drew sizable crowds throughout Ottawa on his tour with Queen Camilla this week. The turnout was stronger than what greeted him on his 2022 visit, when he came as Prince of Wales. Thousands of cheering spectators snaked through the parliamentary precinct to catch a glimpse of Charles in the landau ahead of his speech, a warm reception that appeared to prompt some emotion from the sovereign. "Royals don't normally 'do' emotion, at least they do their very best to hide whatever feeling they have. But for some reason, King Charles seemed unable to do that on this occasion at the end of a short, but highly significant, visit," British broadcaster ITV noted in its coverage of the speech. "It was the warmest of welcomes and the fondest of returns to a nation and a people we love," Charles and Camilla said in a joint statement after their visit. John Fraser, founding president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, said he doesn't pay much attention to polls — support for the monarchy can go up and down depending on what's in the news. But Fraser said it is evident more people are rallying around the Crown now than they were just a few years ago. "Mr. Chrétien was on to something when he said we should give the Order of Canada to Trump," Fraser said in an interview referring to the former prime minister's quip, adding that the Trump factor has breathed new life into many Canadian institutions, not just the monarchy. "The president may well have given the Crown in Canada a leg up," he said. Charles's Canadian sovereignty talk in the throne speech this week — and his pledge that the country is "indeed" the True North "strong and free" — also likely gave the Crown's standing a boost, Fraser said, especially among people who were clamouring to see the head of state say something as the country faces Trump's annexationist musings. WATCH | The full throne speech read by King Charles: FULL SPEECH | King Charles delivers speech from the throne 5 days ago Duration 28:24 King Charles, speaking from the Senate chamber on Tuesday, delivered a speech from the throne that acknowledged the worry that comes with a 'drastically changing world' — including a changing relationship between Canada and the U.S. But the speech also looked forward, pointing to government plans to increase affordability, take on major projects and build a strong economy that 'serves everyone.' "I thought he handled himself impeccably," he said. "This throne speech really cemented Charles's role in Canada," added Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada. "I've always said the real threat against the monarchy isn't republicanism per se but apathy. Well, after this week, there's a real sense of renewed interest in this institution." He said republicans were counting on an unpopular King Charles to sever Canada's ties to the monarchy. "I just don't think that's going to present itself now," Finch said. "There are certain moments in history that can make or break something and I think this particular tour, in some part due to the timing and the Trump factor, helped make King Charles's position in Canada secure and for that I'm very grateful." WATCH | King Charles and Queen Camilla wrap up visit: King Charles leaves Canada after throne speech 4 days ago Duration 2:40 Still, some chafed at the idea of Charles taking a stand for Canada in the face of Trump. "We're telling Donald Trump, 'You're not the foreign billionaire who's our boss. This is the foreign billionaire who's our boss,'" said Pierre Vincent, a spokesperson for Citizens for a Canadian Republic. 'Exciting' and 'surreal' to meet King Charles As short as King Charles's visit to Ottawa was this week, several Canadians did have a chance to meet briefly with him. Sarah Vickery, director of programming at the King's Trust Canada, and Maxwell Evans, a member of the youth council at the King's Trust, say they found it reaffirming to speak with him about the work they are doing. WATCH | Talking about the King's Trust with the King: 'Exciting' and 'surreal': King's Trust Canada team members talk about meeting King Charles 5 days ago Duration 4:07 Sarah Vickery, director of programming at the King's Trust Canada, and Maxwell Evans, a member of the youth council at the King's Trust, talk about how their organization works with young people and what it was like to meet King Charles as he makes his 20th visit to Canada. Royally quotable "It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope." — King Charles, opening the speech from the throne this week. Royal reads Princess Anne met with medical staff who treated those injured when a car drove into crowds at a victory parade in Liverpool, England. [Daily Mail] Princess Eugenie has said she "couldn't get out of bed or do anything for myself" while recovering after scoliosis surgery as a child. [BBC] Wildlife rangers perform "one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet," Prince William said at the launch of a docuseries highlighting these "unseen, unheard and undervalued" heroes of the natural world. [The Guardian] James Middleton has opened up about how his sister, Catherine, Princess of Wales, supported him through struggles with his mental health. [BBC]
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Richmond museum showcases donkeys and their role in wartime
A military museum in North Yorkshire had a very different type of visitor today - one with long ears, four legs and an important role in conflicts, past and Green Howards Museum in Richmond hosted Tom, Maurice and Teddy, from Blackberry Donkeys, as part of its ongoing Animals Allies were able to get up close with the equines, see authentic wartime packsaddles and VE War brasses, and learn about the role of donkeys in military Erskine, regimental researcher at The Green Howards Museum said: "We think it's important to be more than just the bangs and the bullets, but to tell all those other stories that don't necessarily get coverage." The Donkeys at the Museum event was created in partnership with the Donkey Breed Society, and features a display of purple poppies, created to commemorate all the animals that played a vital role in global wars. The organisation has been showcasing both the poppies and donkeys owned by members of the society around military museums across North Yorkshire, including York Army Museum. Sarah Booth, from the Donkey Breed Society Northern Region, explained: "Donkeys are stoic creatures - we never hear them complain."They've been used - and misused - throughout history. "We want to raise the very important message of the part that donkeys, as well as other equines, and dogs, cats, pigeons and rats, have played in warzones throughout history."Mr Erskine added: "The exhibition has proved to be popular - to do something a little bit different, to appeal to a slightly different audience from the normal audience of a military museum. "We want to stress the army isn't just about fighting - we're using these animals to get humanitarian aid into earthquake zones, to get medicines into hard-to-reach villages in the mountains." Tom, Maurice and Teddy are therapy donkeys, part of a wider group of seven donkeys that are available to hire for educational events, care home visits, and even television Marie Bates said: "The nature of the donkeys - how they are around people - just makes them amazing animals. They're so calming."But when not providing a calming influence, they love playing football and have their own unique personality quirks - according to Ms Bates."Teddy, particularly, is a little cheeky chap. His favourite treat is ginger biscuits, and I'm sure he'll have a couple of those before he goes home at the end of the day!" Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Historian gives closer look into soldiers buried in NEPA
DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The service and sacrifice, honor and memory of our military veterans are spread all throughout north eastern Pennsylvania. This Memorial Day, a local historian provides a closer look at the notable soldiers buried in many of our area's cemeteries. Many local military veterans being remembered this Memorial Day have served in some of the earliest wars and for some of the highest people. A Luzerne County presidential historian is providing insight into their significance here in NEPA. A flag placed near a grave is a notorious site to see in many cemeteries across the country and right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. 'It's pretty touching. And I feel some people don't realize until they go there and see it for themselves,' Presidential Historian Larry Cook said. The memory of a veteran's military service is specially honored on Memorial Day. But Cook says the service has been remembered for centuries, dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, like veterans buried here in Eaton Cemetery in Dallas. Meteorologist Valerie Smock emceed Annual Memorial Day Parade in Dallas 'We are fortunate in this area because, like you mentioned, not many areas have the history we have, but we are rooted right to the beginnings,' Cook explained. In the Hanover Green Cemetery lies Rufus Bennett, who served as a personal life guard to General George Washington. Also buried there is Andrew Lee, an intelligence gatherer for George Washington, or better known as a spy. GAR, the Grand Army of the Republic, was engraved on plaques. The veterans organization established Memorial Day in 1868, initially called Decoration Day. 'We call these fallen people in these early wars men, but they are really boys,' Cook told 28/22 News. Dozens came out for Memorial Day Parade in Taylor At the Wyoming monument along Wyoming Avenue are 227 American flags. They symbolize each person killed in the Battle of Wyoming when loyalists and native americans attacked patriot militia men in 1778. 'Many patriots buried under that monument in Wyoming, so here in Luzerne County, our roots go back to the founding of this country,' Cook added. As holidays pass by, Cook hopes there is an infinite honor for these brave men and women in the valley. 'That they recognize and appreciate them, and that they continue to appreciate them, and continue to do things to thank our veterans that have served,' Cook continued. Cook says there are thousands of veterans buried throughout our region, all with their own significance and importance to our country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
26-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Navy veteran's dog tags found on Nantucket, family hoping to get them back
A food and wine festival worker on Nantucket stumbled upon the dog tags of a decorated Navy veteran who passed away in 1982. Now his family is hoping to get them back. Ernest Gentile Sr. was part of the first Navy SEAL frogmen demolition team in American history. His family says he was at Pearl Harbor, and also earned the Navy Cross for cutting submarine netting in French Morocco. For the most part, he kept his war stories from his family, but the ones that he did tell are now retold by his children and grandchildren. "He would go underwater. One of the medals he received, from what I understand, is him and a buddy were cutting some of the mines underneath, clearing the way for some of the ships to go through while they were under enemy fire," said his granddaughter, Anne Gardner. Dog tag for Ernest Gentile Sr. found on Nantucket. CBS Boston "I recall a story being told where he was a sailor off of one of the ships in the Sea of Japan. He went into the water as the frogmen underwater demolition team to help clear the area for the chain being pulled across the channel to keep the Japanese ships out," said his daughter Jacqueline Gardner. "We had pictures of him in his hard hat suit, and we wondered how he could even walk around, but he said, 'You're in the water,'" remembered his daughter Frances Downs. "He would teach us how to swim and to hold your breath underwater. It was a big treat to reach a certain spot." Location of dog tags now a mystery Anne says her grandfather, lovingly known as "Pamper," battled cancer as a result of shrapnel in his body. He died in 1982, but recently his dog tags were discovered in Nantucket. "No clue how. We used to live on Nantucket at one point," said Downs. "Maybe it came off while he was swimming, and finally eventually washed up on the beach," suggested Gardner. A worker at a food and wine festival on the island took a photo of the tags. The worker says the tag was being passed around at the festival for people to see, but he is unsure who is in possession of the tag now. We are working to see if the festival knows its whereabouts, but we have yet to hear back. "It would be awesome. We could make some kind of a display," said Downs, thinking about the return of the tags after all of these years.
